Ballston Arts & Crafts Market

Looks like as of this writing, the storm gods have been satisfied with ruining Saturdays for awhile and the forecast for tomorrow is clear... well, that's right now. However, let's all go with that, ok?

Last month's market was canceled due to bad weather, so come get your fix off Route 66. I have a large selection of reversible sun hats, little purses and back by popular demand, Jen-A-Fusion shopping totes. Made from upcycled tents, they can be rolled up and tucked in a purse or larger bag for carrying all your goodies home from the market.

Likewise, tons of fun and funky finds. Birthdays, wedding gifts and the like can be found. I'll going on vacation next week and plan to scout out a host gift for family we are visiting... a photo, some soap... hm.. we'll have to see!

What: Ballston Arts & Crafts Market

Where: Welburn Square, Ballston, Arlington, VA

When: Saturday, August 14, 10am-4pm

Website: www.ballstonarts-craftsmarket.blogspot.com

See you there~Jen

25 "Random" Things about Jen-A-Fusion

Photo by Erica DeJoannis, on my 29th Birthday


In the spirit of the Facebook viral note that went around a while back, here is a list of seemingly random things about Jen and Jen-A-Fusion.

1. I had 3 majors before I finished college.

2. I went to 5 different colleges before I graduated.

3. By the time that happened, I had enough credits for almost two degrees.

4. I'll be paying back student loans in the senior's home!

5. I'm a horrible speler.

6. My customers continue to surprise me with their appreciation.

7. My favorite colors are green and purple.

8. But I love all the other ones too.

9. I would love to travel to all seven continents. I have 4 down so far. (Can you guess which ones?)

10. My absolutely least favorite food: raisins.

11. One thing I really like about my work: always being able to defend it by saying "It's art!"

12. Don't worry, I'm not as strict an environmentalist as I might seem (oh, wait, as I go through the trash for recyclables...)

13. My first real job was a counselor at a girl scout camp. Now, I head up an art camp for kids.

14. The 'real life' talent I wish I had: to be able to sing.

15. The 'super hero' talent I wish I had: to be able to fly.

16. I love seeing someone random on the street with one of my purses. It makes me so happy!

17. My studio is a pig sty. Really, totally out of control.

18. I am the middle daughter of three sisters.

19. My older sister is a saddler by profession, but also a very talented artist.

20. My younger sister is a sports psychologist by profession, but also a sky dive instructor.

21. I have way too much fabric, thread, buttons, ribbon, beads and the like.

22. I *really* wish I could garden, but I just end up killing plants.

23. My friend Erica helped me come up with the name Jen-A-Fusion.

24. My friend Stacy created my logo.

25. I eat way less veggies than I should.

July Artist of the Month~ Bette's Bags

I personally get kinda tired of looking at my own stuff sometimes. The same fabrics, the same shapes, the same, the same.... going to new shows and being exposed to new customers sometimes helps. So does looking at the wonderful work other accessory crafters are doing.

I first met Betty through our Etsy team and was taken with her cute designs and unique business arrangement. My mom and I can hardly agree on the color of the sky, let alone an artistic atheistic. However, they make it work out and have some wonderful bags to prove it.

Beyond the luscious fabrics and attention to detail, the practicality of Bette's Bags can't be denied. I especially love the Purse Pocket Roll-up Organizer! These little guys are awesome. You pile all your stuff in it and stick it in your purse. Then, when you switch purses, you pull that out and put it in the other purse. No more leaving behind your favorite lipstick or that pen you always need. And, for $10, no way I'm going to try to figure out how to make one myself, I'll just get one from Betty.

In addition to the sewing, Betty has developed a line of knit accessories and even sells the patterns. I love that she doesn't mind sharing the secrets so you can make your own!



Read on and learn more about the background of Bette's Bags.

Q~How did you get started?

A~ Maggie, my daughter/partner, complained for days about seeing another woman carrying her very expensive "Designer" brand new bag as soon as she walked out of the store. As a Joke I made her an Original One-of-a-kind Bette's Bag so that she would stop complaining. She liked it and used it. When friends and co-workers asked her where she got her bag, she suggested that we sell them. So we started with out with just one design at local Holiday craft shows.

After a while we developed more designs and set up a table at the Arlington Court House Market once a month....the rest, so they say, is history. We do shows throughout the year and continue to design new styles as well as adding hand-knit accessories to our line.

Q~Why do you continue?

A~We still enjoy what we do! It is our avenue to express ourselves creatively as well as offers us an opportunity to be a part of a very special group of artists. My greatest pleasure is meeting and building friendships with other artists and craftsmen at shows and markets.

Q~What is a great success story?

A~Having people "inspect" our work and share with me that they recognize it to be a very high quality. One that I will never forget was a woman who was raised in the Amish faith (know for their hand-made quilts). She not only appreciated my work but she purchased several items as gifts for her daughters. I will always remember our conversation and her very kind and supportive words.

We were also very proud to be voted as third runner-up in the Washington's City Paper's Best of DC 2010 Reader's Poll of Best Local Crafter. Now that was a surprise and a great honor!

As far as a successful product goes I would say the our "Purse Pocket Roll-up" probably gets the most questions and attention. It's such a simple little accessory, but very useful.



Q~What is one of your greatest failures?

A~SO many to choose from. Failed designs are a normal part of the creative process that I have come to accept.

Q~Where do you get your inspiration?

A~I draw my inspiration from listening to friends, co-workers, family discussing what they like, what they need, what I should make next.

Q~Why do you make/create what you do?

A~We typically make what we would like to carry. We joke that every "new bag" that we make is our "Favorite so far"...until we design/construct the next one.

Q~Where is your favorite place to sell? Or Favorite show?

A~In the DC Metro area Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is a great market. It has great location and demographics, friendly vendors and artists, supportive management and very supportive shoppers.

In the Baltimore area I enjoy the Squidfire Shows (Holiday & Spring Marts). Squidfire has more of an edgy - hip vibe, very stimulating show.

Q~What is one thing you love about your business?

A~Connecting with our customers. So many have become friends.

Q~What is one thing you loathe?

A~Paper work!

Q~What is your dream about your art?

A~To be able to devote my time and attention to Bette's Bags full time.

Q~What is your mission?

A~To continue to develop and grow as an artist and as a human being.

Q~Where are you based?

A~Our actual Studio is in my home in Bryantown, MD. It used to be Maggie's bedroom but the fabric, sewing machines and purses have officially taken over.



Q~Where would you live if you could live anywhere?

A~Pittsburgh, PA. It is very supportive of the Arts and is the friendliest city int he US.

Q~What would you be doing if not this?

A~ I'd be crafting and creating something. I've been sewing and crafting all of my life. Creating is a part of who we are. Maggie has started her own Photography business this year and it's doing very well.

Q~What is next?

A~Only "the Force" knows.

Q~What is your favorite question to ask people?

A~Ohhh, That's really nice. Did you make that?

Q~What is your answer to that question?

A~Why yes I did. Thank you!

Q~ What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen sparrow?

A~ African or European?

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To learn more about this talented artisan, the following links can be used to:

Purchase a bag: www.bettesbags.com

Find a show: www.bettesbags.blogspot.com

Friend on Facebook: Bette's Bags Fan Page

Purchase through Etsy: www.bettesbags.etsy.com

I also got to know Betty through being vendors at the Ballston Art & Craft Market. It is the second Saturday of each month and she will be there on July 10th. Please come and meet her in person and see these darling bags.

I'm always charmed by Charm City

Jen-A-Fusion has been busy. Jen-A-Fusion apologizes for not posting up pictures of works in progress, more Facebook updates, new items or pictures of shows and for the oil spill... what?? Sorry, I got a little carried away with the apologies...

And, don't you hate when people speak in third person?

So, thought I would take a few minutes to give a mini tour of the studio at large, the projects and products being worked on, but first, I will take a moment for this week's show.

Most of the reason I'm busy working away is due to Baltimore, for several reasons. First and foremost, I'm headed there this Saturday for a very special market. Americans for the Arts, which "is the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in" the country. They are turning the big 5-0 this year and hosting a Mid Century Summit in Baltimore this coming weekend. It includes talks for nationally known figures such as Robert Redford, seminars on how to start a local crafts day, dinners to rub elbows and of course, a marketplace of local and region craftspeople for some retail therapy.

Given the importance of the occasion, I was honored to be selected to represent the area to this national audience. Although we are set up next to where the convention is being held, this a completely free event, open to all. Artists will be on hand to talk about their craft, demonstrate some of the work that goes into it and sell the finished wares.

What: Americans For The Arts, Artists Marketplace

Where: Promenade in Harbor East, Baltimore, MD
Near the Baltimore Public Works Museum and the Marriott

Use 751 Eastern Avenue for GPS/ map directions

When: Saturday, June 26, 12-8pm

Website: convention.artsusa.org

Personally, I can't wait to see some of the soapmaking, wood working and other textile artists... and here's a peek at what I'm working on in the studio:

Sun hats waiting to be ironed.





Sun hats ironed, sandwiched together and waiting to be sewn, lunch waiting to be eaten.



Working to refine my sun hat design. I'm getting feedback that the brim was too wide, so I have scaled it back. Looks pretty good, no?



The hats are reversible, so this is the other side.




And, boring.. More purses...OH, wait, these are actually kinda fun and nice. Same old shape, that's not new...But fun fabrics and great summer hues. I personally really like the peachy ones...





This are just a few of my most recent things... and more to come soon!~Jen

Remember, you can friend Jen-A-Fusion on Facebook. One stop lurking when it comes to finding out what is up to date in the studio.

A Day in the Life of Jen-A-Fusion

So... I have been thinking lately about other people... and other people's lives... and what they do and who they see and what happens next...

And, thus, I thought I would chronicle A Day in the Life of Jen-A-Fusion. (Hm, do I smell another artist series here? A Day in the Life of Fill in the Blank Here...) This begs the questions, who cares what a day in my life is? Really? Who cares? Well, I do.. I thought it might give me a sense of what is getting done. What I need to do. Insight and reflection. An active meditation, if you will.

It is about 12:45. I just sat down to start writing this entry. At 12:30 was looking around for camera. Found camera. Looking around for memory card. (I took my camera to Texas with me, yahoo!, without the memory card inside, blah!) Found memory card. Tried to turn on camera. Batteries dead. All other batteries in car, in a fan that I was using at market yesterday.... ok, charging batteries. Will commence photo journaling later.

Sat down at computer. Got distracted by Facebook. Decided to change profile picture. Am back at writing this entry.

This morning was a somewhat typical Monday morning in the life of a market vendor. I think I can generally say that many market people take at least part of Monday to relax a little, re-group and get ready for the week. This is what other people do on Sundays.

(Bathroom break)

This morning, I slept way way way in. Again, what people usually do over the weekend. However, I had a Sunday festival in Maryland, about 45 minutes from my place. Got up at 6am to pack car, make lunch, get on road with enough time to get lost and still make it there on time. HOT HOT HOT out yesterday. Good people and good vibes, but long day. Heat makes me tired and hungry and tired.

Pack up, drive to studio. Unload car some, not enough energy to unpack all the way. Drive home to apartment, where boyfriend has dinner waiting at 9pm. Have dinner with boyfriend and our friend. Cool shower and to bed... zzzzz

Oh, I guess that was a day in the life yesterday.... oh, well... Did I mention I got an allergic reaction/ heat rash thing on my neck? Still trying not to scratch it, as when I do, looks like two big hickies. yuck.

Back to today. Slept in majorly. So majorly that I won't say what time, as 'regular' folks might get mad I slept that late on a Monday. However, it was no later than others sleep in, on a weekend morning. Did some chores around the apartment. Ran a few errands on the way to my studio, including a stop at Macy's to pay my bill and do some 'market research'. Aka, look at the mainstream purses to see what other people are designing, making and buying...

Get to studio, unpack weights, tent walls and tablecloths from my car, left in there yesterday because I didn't have the energy. Inside, put in a load of laundry. Then, make some brunch... look for camera... look for batteries (see above scenario)

(Break to let my old laptop cool off. It wasn't keeping up with my typing. While I wait, I unpack the suitcase from my Texas trip that I got back from almost a week ago, clean up the kitchen a little, take dry clothes off the drying rack.)

Well. Hm. What *needs* to be done today?

~Run charges from yesterday.

~Complete and mail an application for a show, due July 1st, show is in September.
Application has been filled out, CD will images has been burnt, check is ready. All sitting there, waiting for me to finish it up and send it out.

~Clean up common areas of studio. Studio roommate having visitor later this week. Time to clean kitchen?

~Finish up laundry.

~Work on Etsy shops, which are in shambles. Update, delete and add things in?

~Try not to throw computer out the window when it is old and slow and just trying to survive.

~Re-new audio books from library. I listen to books on CD while working on in my studio. Much more interesting than music. I've listened to about 40ish this year so far!

OK, should get to it, right?!

Well, just as any human will tell you, the road to hell, good intentions, blah blah...

Computer just totally froze up as I was trying to update Etsy shops. It got completely overheated and I tried to shut it down and cool it off. It won't really shut down. It actually just made some weird noises and I think, the Mac 'blue screen of death'.

Meanwhile, I cleaned up around the studio's common areas, finished laundry and then went to sew a little, to let the computer chill out for a while. Kept coming back to check on it, computer seems dead.

I try to get everything else on the list done, try to clean up my work space. Took some pictures to post. BUT, of course, I am now at my apartment, where I do not have my camera and thus can not post those pictures.

I get caught up with my studio roommate and leave for my apartment about 6:30pm, which is about the time a heavy rainstorm hits Alexandria. The highway is crawling, gutters overflow. I have a vague sense of what folks around the country have been going through.

I decide to take surface street instead of the highway... and am at sitting at a red light when I look over and see, one of the biggest rainbows ever in my life. It goes from one horizon to the other. FULL rainbow. I snap a pic on my cell and try to navigate without being caught in a pothole.

Head home where the boyfriend and I make dinner together (Bayou beans and rice, farm fresh sausage, fresh salad that includes lettuce from a friend's garden). Try not to think about my possible dead laptop.

After dinner, fold and put away some laundry. Now, back online, about to post this blog and make some plans for tomorrow. See, work never ends! :)

In all, a fairly good day. It didn't go completely as planned, my laptop might be dead and I didn't finish my whole to do list. However, a truly typical day in the life of Jen-A-Fusion, a few bumps, a few successes. This is actually a typical day in the life of many small business owners, designers and vendors. And, it all ended in a rainbow....

June Artist of the Month~ 3 Ring Necklace

June is the month for Gemini, The Twins. Geminis are often known for their basic versatility and intelligent, yet airy, nature. Right brain, left brain. Thinkers, doers. Dreamers, realists.

Beth Athanas, who happens to be my sister, is the June Artist of the Month. The Gemini duality helps describe Beth, who will be celebrating a big birthday this week! Being the twin personified, Beth excels in many areas. She's smart and physical. Talented in the arts, the books and the muscle. While skydiving is her love, she is also a talented painter, award winning baker and jewelry maker. Her area of concentration, kinesiology, has lead her to a career as a Performance Enhancement Specialist. And, also lead her to design and create her signature jewelry, the 3-Ring Necklace.

While I'm not a skydiver myself, I truly appreciate the intricate detail of the 3-Ring Necklaces. The different colors, designs and textures the necklaces embraced are endearing in their uniqueness. The design is vaguely Celtic, vaguely modern, vaguely weird, vaguely familiar, and at the same time, all inviting.



Read on to find out why and how Beth decided to push her jumping passion toward a more creative outlet.

Q~ How did you get started?

A~ I started skydiving in 1999. One day I saw that I had three keychain rings of differing sizes. I decided to make them into a necklace that resembled the 3 ring release system on skydiving rigs. I was wearing the necklace in the packing room when a girl mentioned that she liked it, and asked if I sold them. I said no, but she planted a seed in my brain that didn’t sprout until years later.

When I was in graduate school and suffering financially, I decided to start making the necklaces to make some money. After I graduated, I continued out of pleasure.

Q~ Why do you continue?

A~ Skydiving is a sport for non-conformists. The closing pin necklace is very popular in skydiving, but it seems to me that people who are wearing them are conforming!

I take pride in being different and unique. When people ask me if I make closing pin necklaces, I tell them, “No- these are better.” NO ONE else makes this necklace! :)



Q~ What is a great success story?

A~I was thrilled when some top skydiving gear companies placed some orders to sell in their gear shops. It is always wonderful when I come across someone and they are wearing the 3 Ring Necklace!

Q~ What is one of your greatest failures?

A~ When I first started making the necklaces, I need a wholesale ring supplier. I found a crafting company in Canada and placed some orders with them. Unfortunately, their poor shipping standards and horrible customer service forced me to find another supplier. My current supplier is awesome; I just hope they stay in business!

Q~ Where do you get your inspiration?

A~ I get my inspiration from the incredible experience of jumping out of airplanes. Skydiving is source of empowerment, something that a lot of people need in their lives. I would not be the same person today if I was not a skydiver.



Q~ Why do you make/create what you do?

A~ I make what I do because I believe in my product. I think it truly is a beautiful necklace that represents something wonderful. I love sharing that with other people.

Q~ Where is your favorite place to sell? Or favorite show?

A~ I do most of my selling online. I love vending in person because I get to meet people and they get to design their own necklace. They create ownership of the necklace and they are more likely to wear it if they like it. It bugs me when people buy the necklace but don’t wear it.

Q~ What is one thing you love about your business?

A~I love meeting new people and making connections.

Q~ What is one thing you loathe?

A~I dislike when people make excuses why they don’t like the necklace. They say things such as, “It is too bulky,” (I make a mini three ring necklace as well) or “I don’t wear jewelry.” Not everyone is into the necklace because they are bigger than the closing pin necklaces.

Q~ What is your dream about your art?

A~ My goal is to be sold by every skydiving gear supplier. I want the necklaces to be just as popular as closing pin necklaces. Also, I want to be able to sponsor a skydiving team, but I don’t make that much money!



Q~ Where are you based?

A~ I live in Killeen, Texas because I work at Fort Hood for my full time job.

Q~ Where would you live if you could live anywhere?

A~I would live somewhere warm where I could skydive all year round, make good money, be close to my family, and be close to my boyfriend. That place has yet to exist!!!

Q~ What is next?

A~ Future plans for 3 Ring Necklace include more advertising in skydiving publications. I also want to make stickers and patches, which are very popular in the skydiving world, and a great way to advertise. I’m just working on making business cards. :)

Q~ What is your favorite question to ask people?

A~ Where do you jump?

Q~ What is your answer to that question?

A~ Right now I’m not jumping because of my injury, but I’m working manifest until I heal up.

Q~ What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?

A~ What do you mean? And African or a European swallow?
“I don’t know that- AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!”

How do you know so much about swallows?
“You have to know these things when you’re king.”

3 Ring Necklaces can be custom ordered at 3ringnecklace.blogspot.com. Chooses from all different colors, sizes, types of leather cording and length. Get a completely unique necklace, from a completely unique type of artist. Also, you can friend 3 Ring on Facebook and keep up to date about new retail locations and styles.

May 2010 Artist of the Month~ Karma Krafts by Kimberley

I'm always impressed by 'multi artists', people who are truly good at more than one medium. Like a painter who also plays beautiful piano, or the sculptor who can likewise weave luxurious fabric. Many creative people do have their fingers in more than one pot. Myself, I absolutely loved photography while in high school, while sewing took a back seat. Now, I have to force myself to pick up the camera.

However, I know few people that actually make and market more than one type of media. Kimberley Bush is one of them. She has tackled one of the more challenging mediums by working in clay and excels at one of the most difficult ceramics methods, raku. In addition, she makes soaps from "all natural and organic herbs which are combined with essential oils that give the soaps a long lasting smell that can fill a room with freshness." My favorite is the Cinnamon and Oatmeal, smells just like a cookie, I have to resist biting it!

Now, come to think of it, her soaps are so fresh and lovely, so clean and crisp, they look perfect in her dishes. Perhaps not so strange after all, making a pot, and then making something to put into it?

And, if creating these products wasn't keeping Kimberley busy enough, then she goes and starts up a new art market! The Alexandria Art Market will be held the every first Saturday of the month, June through November, with the exception of October, when Art on the Avenue is going on. Located just down the street from the farmers' market, shops, restaurants and plenty of parking on Mount Vernon Ave in Del Ray, the market will feature local and regional talent.

Read on for a very personal look into the philosophy of this creative individual as she speaks about life, helping others and moving through the tough times....

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Q~ How did you get started?

A~ About 8 years ago, I fell in love with clay when a good friend of mine asked me to accompany her to the pottery studio. I touched the clay, played with the clay and formed crazy shapes that in fact, were completely non-functioning and quite unattractive.

These creations lead me to taking classes at The Clay Queen and The Art League School in Alexandria, VA. At the Art League School, I got involved with their student/work program to learn the ins & outs of ceramics. Whether I was working on the pug team, glaze team or the kiln team, I was enthralled with the entire, glorious process of taking a mound of earth & transforming it into a work of art. Over the years I have been evolving as a potter and have a lovely line of porcelain and raku soap dishes, vases, bowls and display plates.

Q~ Why do you continue?

A~ Working with clay keeps my mind and spirit moving positively forward....I am all about progression not regression plus when I see the smile of happiness come over the face of someone looking at my work....the work that I left a little bit of myself..my karma....all is well with in the world and I live..happily..to make another piece of art for another day.

Q~ What is a great success story?

A~ Every day of my life is a great success story..this may sound very trite and corny but it is a sentiment that is true to me. But I can say that being asked (recently) to be the chairperson of a national juried exhibit is a success story. Being held in such a high regard to be asked to take on such a HUGE undertaking....allows me to have a heightened sense of accomplishment.

Creating the Alexandria Art Market is a success story. Taking something from nothing that will benefit and touch numerous individuals is simply amazing!

Q~ What is one of your greatest failures?

A~ I feel that ceasing working on my art after my Mom very sadly and unexpectedly passed away last July, while understandable, was a huge internal let down. Logically and sensibly I wanted to work but just couldn't find the energy to. I am fortunate not to have let her passing overcome my spirit so much that I was debilitated for too long.

Q~ Where do you get your inspiration?

A~ I get bored easily so I would say that other artist's work provokes me to explore other shapes or ways of decorating my work. Although, sometimes ideas just come to me out of the blue and I just run with that.



Q~ Why do you make/create what you do?

A~ The sheer instant gratification, unexpectedness and spontaneity of Raku and Horsehair pottery supplies my drive to keep creating it. It is kind of like that line from Forrest Gump...you never know what your gunna get. Both processes allow for unimagined variances and it just makes me giggle when the piece is complete.

Q~ Where is your favorite place to sell? Or Favorite show?

A~ I have a funny feeling that the Alexandria Art Market is going to be my favorite place to sell and show. I think that because it is something that will truly touch many lives, it will become one of the best endeavors I have ever been a part of and made come to life. It was something that was my idea and will be the product of my efforts and will be a good thing for many..many people. Life doesn't get better than that.

Q~ What is one thing you love about your business?

A~ I get to do me and be me. It is all me that the world sees and feels. Not some huge conglomerate or an entity that has some random individual as its CEO...I am my own CEO and that is what people will receive and at the base of that title is a woman that doesn't have a PhD, MBA or even completed college but that has a soul that is in touch with doing the right thing which is giving rather than receiving.

Q~ What is one thing you loathe?

A~ Oh lord...this list can take up a wholelotta MBs on a website but the main things are lack of compassion/understanding/tolerance/patience/kindness, inability to let go and be the bigger person and selfishness. I guess inability of being able to effectively love someone or something for who they are and who they are not.



Q~ What is your dream about your art?

A~ Again I am living my dream everyday. My art lives a life that starts in my mind, goes to my hands and completes its cycle living in someone else's life. That is a dream come true.

Q~ What is your mission?

A~ Keep on Keeping on. Put my two feet on the floor each morning and move through the world with positive energy for myself and all I encounter.

Q~ Where are you based?

A~ I live in Alexandria but at this time I have my studio in Fredericksburg.

Q~ Where would you live if you could live anywhere?

A~ Again...do you have time to read this list?

I have traveled to several countries and really all of them would be an amazing place to live but I can say it would have to be a location that had definitive seasons. Some place where fall is full of colors, winter is billowy with soft flakes of snow, spring is newborn and summer brings on a great deal of perspiration.

Q~ What would you be doing if not this?

A~ Well, when I am not creating I am a Realtor and really enjoy being the catalysis for people in finding the home of their dreams and aspirations. I also volunteer for a organization that helps individuals in their homelife and their children in their educational life. I teach ceramics in an afterschool program in Southeast DC...this is incredibly satisfying. I am led by what I do and at this time it is taking the attributes I have been blessed with and sharing them with others.

Q~ What is next?

A~ Making Alexandria Art Market the place to be, the talk of the town and a unilateral GIGANTIC SUCCESS, even if by my own standards and not of others...and I must say my standards are pretty high. I am also in the process of being the chairperson for a grant program of a non-profit arts organization in DC..the grant that I will work diligently to fund will contribute to allowing an artist to complete their next project...again..it doesn't get any better than that...helping others..that is the essence of simple, gratifying existence.

Q~ What is your favorite question to ask people?

A~ The one question that really lets people know you are into them and not all caught up in your own affairs and makes them feel you really sincerely care is an honest to goodness from the heart.."How are you"?

Q~ What is your answer to that question?

A~ Well, for the last several months since my mom passed the answer to that question has been "I am ok" or "I am fine" but I have progressed through my mourning and unfathomable sadness and can embrace my Mom in a different way and can appreciate her and her blessings in a different way. I can now actually say the word "good" and can say "I am good" or "I am well"..I can now greet people with a "Good Morning" versus "Hello or Morning"...it is very amazing how your lexicon can change because the players in your game of life change or in my case VERY SADLY expire.



Q~ What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen sparrow?

A~ I would have to say maybe 5 knots if she is not pregnant, carrying food for her young, carrying tree bark or leaves back to a branch on an oak tree to create a home for them or not fleeing from some a sparrow eating predator:)

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More information about Karma Krafts by Kimberley, ceramics and handcrafted soap can be found at www.karmakraftsbykimberley.com.

She can be found at the Ballston Art & Craft Market THIS SATURDAY, May 8th, from 10am-4pm. The Alexandria Art Market will begin June 5th and run every first Saturday of the month (barring October) through November.

Likewise, plenty of other 'Artists of the Month' from this blog will be in attendance. Full Sanction, comic book stick figure drawing experts, will be out in full force, with some hidden goodies. Boxboy, with all his kooky little boxes, will be there too.

Can't wait for Saturday! I always love the Ballston Market. The lineup of artist, crafters and musicians is the best ever. And, I'm not just saying that because I'll be there! ~Jen

Green Tip~ Get your in touch with your interior little kid!

I just found a website called Stubby Pencil Studios, supposedly 'eco products for creative kids'. Wait, there's some really cool stuff here! Only for kids? Well, I wanna be a kid and have it too!

I especially like the Pebble Crayons, they look so pretty..


I've gotten the Smencils for Christmas and they smell good enough to eat!


And, I LOVE the party favors section. Gifts, stocking stuffers and grab bag ideas starting under $2! This would be great for wedding favors, even.



So, calling kids of all ages, heights and artistic talents, get over to Stubby Pencil and get your eco art on!

It *can* be easy being Green!

Happy Earth Day!

Get out your hemp sandals and organic cotton t-shirt! Jump on your hybrid shooter! Zip down to the farmers' market and buy locally grown tomatoes!

What? You don't have hemp sandals? No hybrid shooter? No farmers' market? Don't like tomatoes? What kind of environmentalist are you!? Oh.. the lazy kind?

Well, that is the beauty of being lazy in this day and age. It is actually EASIER than ever before to be a 'tree hugger'. It used to be HARD, tedious, stinky and soooo uncool. You had to like, grow your own veggies just to have simple, natural choices. You had to actually drive your recyclables to a dump, which is totally oxymoronic. You had to wear scratchy wool hand knit sweaters. You couldn't wear deodorant.

I found the following list in my grandmother's house. Dated circa 1991, you can see how difficult it was to be earth friendly 20 years ago.

“Helpful Household Hints for the person interested in conserving and recycling”

Wash used saran wrap and drip dry

Press used paper towels

Water down ketchup and mustard

Wash and reuse toothpicks

Wash, fluff and drip dry Q-tips

Sell all moldy bread to a penicillin factory

Deep fat fry potato peelings for handy dandy snacks

Take a bath with laundry-saves water and soap

Pressure cook old leather (makes good stew!)- for flavor throw in old stock!

(Author's note: KEEP reading folks, just gets better!)

Press clothes between mattress and box spring to save electricity

Save scrap mail for writing letters

Save bath and laundry water to wash car

Reuse tea bags at least 5 times a piece

Slice thin spaghetti lengthwise to make it go further

Save old egg shells for ashtrays

(Author again: And, to know you are a TRUE hippie!)

Save old newspapers, cut into 4” strips, perforate at 4” intervals for toilet paper.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I don't know about you, but by the time I was at the end of this list, I was on the floor, laughing my head off. Not only are some of these practices just gross and unhealthy (do they know how many chemicals are used in processing leather? yuck!) or possibly dangerous (paper cuts on the bum?, no thank you) but some must surely be outlawed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Isn't that why paper towels get thrown away- they are full of germs?)

See, even just 20 years ago, it was hard work to be an environmentalist. You had to shower with your clothes, eat watered down mustard and smoke to be able to use those egg shells.

Today, you can be an environmentalist soooo easily. Just be a consumer. As InSync used to say, “Buy, buy, buy.”

What? Oh, you think that is contradictory? You can't be a consumer and care about the environment? Well, we ALL are consumers, some more than others. And, in just our everyday life we can all make purchasing choices that push recycled materials, better energy options and a greater impact on the environment than washing out a Q-Tip ever could.

Each and every time you make a purchase, see if there is a better earth friendly option to buy.

~Purchase copy paper, envelopes, pens and pencils made from recycled materials

~Check out sneakers made from used recycled plastic bottles, like these

~If you don't/can't go to the farmers' market, look for 'local produce' signs at the grocery store

~Try Marcal's line called 'Small Steps', which are 100% recycled paper products. They are using the concept that it is 'small step' toward having a smaller carbon footprint. (I buy the bulk pack of t.p. at Staples. It comes out to be cheaper than the 'regular' type.)

~Don't take a bag for a small item or small amount of items.

~Look for organic cotton goods in such major retailers such as Walmart(t-shirts) and Target(sheets).

~Look out for bamboo clothing also! Silky smooth and made from a resource that has a fast renewal rate, bamboo fiber has been sneaking into more mainstream fashion.

~Buy that hybrid! Now that car manufacturers have been making hybrid for 10 or more years, the price of a used one has come down greatly. This used Prius can be bought for less than $6k. This used hybrid Civic is less than $8k!

~Or, splurge for that electronic car! The Tesla Roadster is only a little over $100k!

Once you have consumed, dispose properly.

~Pass on used but still wearable clothing to homeless shelters, thrift stores or the Red Cross.

~Post gently used furniture on freecycle or Craigslist. Or, donate to local shelters or community centers.

~Read up on your jurisdiction's accepted items for recycling. I know in Alexandria, they keep adding to the list of things they will take.

~Offer items to friends and family that might be able to use (but not old saran wrap)

~Get rid of your car totally. With ride share, public transportation and flexible borrowing programs, if you drive your car less than twice a week, chances are that you don't really need to own it. For example, Zipcar is a easy, affordable alternative to owning a vehicle.

See! I told you, EASY hippie earth friendly buying habits. NO leather tinted stew, with a side of watered down ketchup!

Happy happy earth day! ~Jen

Green Tip~ Don't beat yourself up!

Yes, with technology and eco commerce, it is easier than ever to have an eye on the environment in everyday life. But, it is just as easy to forget or be put in a position due to time, money and effort, not to.

First and foremost, I know I 'preach' a lot about what one could do or buy or go to or not do or not buy or no go to. All merely suggestions! I am not as 'good' as I could be, but also not as bad as I could be either. I figure that everyone does what they are comfortable with and just hope that means they are doing a little everyday.

If you want to do more, then just make some baby steps to begin with. Change what little you can, at the beginning. Do something small each day, it will become habit!

In the very near future, I will post a 'full disclosure' list of things I do that aren't environmentally friendly. It will make you feel better about yourself, really.

Here's a teaser~ When I go to 7-11 to get coffee, I don't bring a reusable mug. I just use a Styrofoam cup. :(

CLNS Fine Art Festival This Saturday!

I'm excited about this little festival that is brand new for me! Good things: in Bethesda, (where I don't do many shows), festival is being given as a fund raiser for a nursery school, lots of fun family friendly activities and sun being forecast. Bad things: can't think of any! perhaps not having enough to sell?!

The Details:

What: CLNS Fine Art Festival

When: Saturday, April 17, 10-5pm

Where: Cedar Lane Nursery School, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD

Website: www.clnsfestival.info

More: $3 entry fee

Hope to see you there~Jen

Green Tip~ Earth Day Month!

Remember to celebrate Earth Day on Thursday, April 22. At the very least, try to walk softly that day, recycle a water bottle, don't do take out in styrofoam and perhaps walk that day. And, then, try to hold that over into the next day and then the next day... more habits can be changed, when you put your mind to it.

Or, try to make some recycled crafts, such as these egg cup insects.

April Artist of the Month~ Boxboy!

There are some people you know and you don't quite remember how you first met them. It is like that for me with Paul, the artistic mind behind Boxboy. I don't remember the first time I met him, because it seems his zany creations have always been a part of my world. Approachable, affordable and just plain fun, I hope these boxes become a part of your world too.

Q~How did you get started?

A~ I used to own a gift store in Knoxville, TN, called Objet d'art (I should have known then the store name was too fancy for the folk in East TN); I came into possession of a very old and beat up wooden trunk made in Central America. It occurred to me to try and decoupage it. Nothing inspired me to do so ... at the time Rosie O'Donnell was bragging about her pitiful attempts at decoupaging on her awful TV show (her decoupage was awful, too). She was NOT an inspiration. I just started cutting, pasting and varnishing. It actually turned out quite well, and I received many compliments on it. It eventually sold (at a way too low price) and my decoupaging took off from there. Over the years the boxes have gotten smaller and smaller, but I am always experimenting with new media and different techniques.

Q~Why do you continue?

A~I absolutely love what I do. Besides making a little money at it, it is therapeutic and it keeps me off the streets and out of trouble. Of course, I have never been one to flit about on the streets or get into any kind of trouble! It's a good BoxBoy line to use on customers, however.

I don't remember the last time I had a "real" job in the real world. At this point in my life, I am too old to be employed by the man and too set in my ways. What else could be better than sitting on the floor, doing the decoupage thing and listening to Tiny Tim sing "Tiptoe Through the Tulips"?



Q~What is a great success story?

A~To be truthful, when I hear from a customer who is just absolutely thrilled with a BoxBoy creation. This is even especially more true when the compliment comes from a fellow artist. I mean, I have talent in what I do ... there is an awful lot of crummy decoupage out there ... but when a person who can actually draw, paint, sculpt, etc., rants and raves about my stuff, wow!

One of my favorite BoxBoy moments occurred several years ago at Eastern Market. A very nice gentleman was searching for a special box to hold some of the cremated remains of his recently deceased lover. He told me his story and found the perfect box at my booth. What an honor for me. Plus, it made me weep.

Q~What is one of your greatest failures?

A~No one humongous failure in particular ... probably many mini-failures. I probably should be more aggressive in marketing my products. I really can't get too big as I am a one-person show and there is a limit as to what I can do numerically. Well why not hire apprentices (for lack of better terminology) or teach classes? Because I don't want to ... nobody can do it better than myself (not egotism, just the facts, ma'am).

I would love to travel to other cities and do some shows, but that is just not in the cards. The fact is I do well enough in the DC area to make ends meet, and that's fine with me. I am not greedy nor do I have any aspirations to get rich. I am the quintessential bohemian artist, and am glad to continue in that role.

Q~Where do you get your inspiration?

A~Honestly, I don't know. One of my artist buddies asked me once what artist(s) inspired me, and I couldn't answer the question. It may sound self-serving and self-indulgent (the latter term I borrow from American Idol judge Simon Cowell), but the inspiration comes from within. The ideas just pop into my BoxBoy brain, and I run with it. The idea make take years to come to fruition in the form of a tangible
product, but eventually it blooms, ripens and falls from the tree.




Q~Why do you make/create what you do?

A~It's all I know to do at this point in my life. Plus, people like weird, kooky things ... not that all of my creations are weird and kooky. I am glad to fulfill a need in the DC area. Somebody observed once that people seemed attracted to my booth at an outdoor show as if I was a magnet. Well, that's a great compliment. I am happy when my customers laugh at something they see, even if they don't purchase it. Then I have done my job.

Q~Where is your favorite place to sell? Or Favorite show?

A~I sell every Sunday during fair weather months at Eastern Market (the school playground side) and have done so since 1999. I love it for many reasons, mainly that it attracts visitors from all over the world and has an ever changing weekly audience. Plus, it is run by very professional personnel, as opposed to other markets in the area.

My favorite single shows/events of the year are Art on the Avenue in Alexandria in October and the Downtown Holiday Market in the District of Columbia in December. Besides being my best moneymakers of the year, they are just fun to do ... my fellow vendors have incredible goods there and everybody is so nice. I think we're all here to help each other, and those two shows epitomize that. Some shows/events, it's an "all about me" attitude by some vendors. These people I have no use for ... and I could name names, but I won't!



Q~What is one thing you love about your business?

A~That I have the freedom to do whatever I want on every conceivable level. I set my own work hours, I choose the designs I want to use, I decide when and where and how I want to sell, etc., etc., etc. BoxBoy is not a job, it's a year-long working vacation almost.

Q~What is one thing you loathe?

A~Well, I could write a book and could go in any number of directions. But I'll be honest ... I have no tolerance for people in my booth who have no sense of humor. ;) Oh, I'm used to the ignorant remarks of "$16 FOR A BOX?" I guess I take things too personally. Not everybody shares my warped sense of humor; so that's why I take the low road and when I'm in a bad mood ... when somebody gives me attitude ... I give it right back. I am not the most professional salesperson in the world, nor do I strive to be. But you know what, when you know the idiot isn't going to buy anything in the first place and you're never going to see the idiot again, why not get if off your chest? The last time I snapped was at the DHM in December just before our first snowstorm of the season. A lady picked up a box and asked, "Why is this $20?" I responded, "Because that's what the market will bear and this is how I make my living." She said, "Well, that's a fair answer." My next door neighbor was greatly amused by my honesty. Frankly, it was the mildest retort I had used in a long time. Maybe I am mellowing with age...



Q~What is your dream about your art?

A~Well, it's on a monetary level. This is my sole source of income. How I am able to support myself and indulge in my vices is beyond me, but I do it. I hope that people continue to be kind to BoxBoy and allow him to continue to do what he does. I greatly admire people who have full-time jobs then do their artwork as well. I am so very, very lucky.



Q~Where are you based?

A~I work out of my home in Fairfax County, Va, near Mount Vernon. My art studio is in my basement and I am surrounded by my compact discs, artwork from around the world and scary clowns dangling from my ceiling.

Q~Where would you live if you could live anywhere?

A~For some reason, I would love to live in rural New England in an old farmhouse. Fall is my favorite season and heaven on earth would be to live amid foliage in September and October. Also, I have also wanted to experience at least one winter in the north. After 60 inches of snow in DC this season, that desire no longer exists.

Q~What would you be doing if not this?

A~Excellent question. In my previous life, I was a journalist. That was never my calling, however, and although that trade could be picked up again, I have absolutely no desire to do so. An extremely complicated chain of events brought me to decoupage, so this is where I am meant to be and this is my destiny.

Q~What is next?

A~I think this is it. I have lived in many parts of the US, but I hope DC is my last stop. BoxBoy can't go on forever ... I think there is about 10 years left before BB retires. I choose to adhere to the Scarlett O'Hara philosophy of reality ... "I'll think about it tomorrow, for tomorrow's another day."

Q~ What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen sparrow?

A~Hey, I was a smart guy in school/college, but math was never my thing ... and it's still not. I never understood how "if x plus y equals z, what is the value of x?" could be useful in life. There are calculators for that.



Boxboy, and his warped sense of humor, can be found at many markets this year, as well as online. Click here for his website and here for his schedule.

Happy April Fool's! ;)

My Butterfly Effect

According to Wikipedia, "The concept of the butterfly effect is frequently referred to in popular culture in terms of the novelty of a minor change in circumstances causing a large change in outcome."


My older sister and my grandmother's hands with a butterfly, photo taken by my younger sister.


I'm sitting in an atuobody waiting room. Well, rather, I am camping out in an autobody waiting room. I was in a car accident last month and the trunk is still leaking. They are working on it and I am working on all that I brought with me. I can't just sit. Rather, I can't just sit here and read, or do nothing for 3 hours, the time they quoted it would take. At 2.5 hours now, I think they might be right about that estimate.

I sat, working on various bits of things, a little computer work, a little pinning and cutting of projects. I also brought along some new crochet bags to work on. Likewise, I am listening to an audio book, The Possibly of Everything, by Hope Edelman. It is a memoir of a California writer who chronicles a trip with her toddler and husband to Belize. There is a butterfly on the cover of the audio book case.

As I work, some of the employees are interested in my bag. A woman mentions it looks like a crocheted rug she has, made by a friend's mother, which she says 'is very dear to me'. I nod and tell her that the bags are being made from rag strips that my grandmother, who passed in the fall, had prepared for her own rug making. I explain that I am using them to make bags, rather than rugs. She says they look good and we go back to what we were doing.

On CD player, Edelman details a visit to a butterfly farm, where her family has bright blue South American insects land on them and they gape at the beauty. This, too, reminds me of my grandmother. In August, when she was still able to get out and about, my family took her to a butterfly festival at a local nature center. They set up a mesh tent with a variety of fluttering things. At the festival, my older sister wheeled my grandmother into the tent and tried to get one to land on her hands but they were somewhat spooked, as too many 4 year olds had been clutching them all day.

The crochet bag, the woman's comments, the audio book and, just like that, I am utterly, completely missing my grandmother.

The colors on the bag in front of me blur and mush as I tear up. I can feel them about to spill over and I hear my grandmother's voice asking “What will people think?” Yes, Gram, what *would* people think at me crying over you in an auto body shop? I can barely contain my laugh at her unexpected chiding and the tears slip back into my eyes.

While her love in my life had an undeniable affect, so did her quirks and it was those that just saved me from crying in the waiting room of an auto body shop. And, thus, my butterfly effect is complete for today.

"In the Bag" - Making New Accessories from Recycled Fabrics

Still have time to register for the In the Bag Workshop!

All materials are provided!

Fun is guaranteed!

Details:
Create a bag from recycled materials, old clothing, your favorite dress, vintage towels and more. Learn about suitable fabrics, patterns, interfacings and other materials.

When:
Friday, March 12, 6 pm -10 pm

Where:
Del Ray Artisans Gallery
2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301

Registration Fee:
$40 for DRA members / $45 for non-members

Other Details:
Basic sewing skills needed
Suggested supply list will be provided prior to the workshop
Sewing machine usage will be available

Instructor:
Jen Athanas (jenafusion.blogspot.com)
571-332-0181 or jenathanas@hotmail.com

Happy International Women's Day!

What will you be doing to celebrate International Women's Day?

Well... It is not only IWD but my birthday! So, I always celebrate it by thanking my mom for raising a strong woman (actually, three...) but usually, I let myself go a little on this day. I am a self named workaholic, so I typically give myself the day off from work, no matter what I have going on or what projects I have on my plate... and today will be no different. However, I had a really hard time figuring out what I wanted to do. Normally, I challenge myself to do something more unique, more artistic, more outgoing than I do on a day to day. But, this year...

A museum? Been there, done that...
A day trip? Nah...
Time in the studio, to clean? BLAH!
Rollerskating, ice skating, sky diving, hang gliding, horseback riding, motocross racing?? DONE THEM ALL. Nope ;) Not that last one...

Stay at home in the kitchen, cooking all day? Hm... Now, that *is* different!

See, in my day to day life, I just don't have much time (read no time) to cook and bake and make all those yummy, wholesome things that my body needs to be a big, strong woman. I recently went wheat/gluten free and while it has been somewhat easy, I do miss baked goods and yummy, bad for you things like pizza. We made gluten free pizza last night and it was really good (perhaps it was the bacon *and* ham we put on it??). However, the GF prepared goods are probably just as bad for you as the wheat versions and the mixes are quite pricey... So, I decided to 'stay in' and bake all day, freeze and have on hand all those things I'll then be able to eat for the next few months....

What a great way to celebrate International Women's Day than throw the windows open and breathe in the spring fresh air, with the scent of fresh baked bread?

Wait, what did you say? "HOW does this give homage to millions of persecuted, enslaved, undernourished women all over the world?"

It comes down to choice.

While there are millions of women (and men and children) all over the world and throughout history that do not have the choice of lifestyle, career, home life and a multitude of other things. I am so fortunate to live in a place and time that I CAN choose my lifestyle and career, where I want to live and what I want to spend my time doing. The mere fact I am sitting in a beautiful apartment and writing this on a Monday morning is proof enough that I have greatly benefited from the sacrifices of others.

So, as I measure the rice flour and blend the xanthan gum, as I bite into the first GF muffin I'll have made from scratch, I will think about all the women forced into the kitchen and give tribute to them. And, be glad I was able to choose to be there today.

'I'm one of those girls that *likes* to eat!' ~ Sarah Jessica Parker, Failure to Launch

March 2010 Artist of the Month~Jetsy

Jenny Hoffman is a woman divided, by passions, by interests, by a desire to do it all. Artist, mother, Arbonne saleswomen and health nut. While not hanging out with her adorable little girl and husband, she's networking and running her business. In her downtime, she creates cutie little pieces of jewelry and upcycled spice tins. I personally wonder, when does she sleep? ;)

Read on for more about this amazing multi-tasker!



Q~How did you get started?

A~My good friend Jen (newmoonpie.etsy.com) taught me the basics of jewelry-making, from how to use a bead board for designing to how to attach bead tips. I craved a creative outlet, and I wanted something productive to keep my hands busy while I watched t.v. to unwind. (Kind of oxymoronic, I know!)

Q~Why do you continue?

A~I keep finding pendants that just cry out to me to be made into a unique necklace.



Q~What is a great(or greatest) success story?

A~I also like to take those old metal spice tins and upcycle them into something useful. I made a couple of these and put them up in my Etsy shop. A woman in Ohio, who was opening her own brick-and-mortar store, contacted me and wanted to buy a dozen of them! I really had to scramble to find that many spice tins, but I was so proud of the results.

Q~What is one of your greatest failures?

A~I have the hardest time with knots. Consequently, I have wasted lots of jewelry wire because I've put a kink in it somewhere conspicuous trying to tie a knot. Sometimes, I have to re-string the entire necklace, but I want to get it right. Because if your knot isn't done well, the necklace could fall apart on my customer!

Q~Where do you get your inspiration?

A~My inspiration comes from my goth and punk rock roots, as well as motherhood, books, songs, friends, and family. Influences include The Cure, Mary Englebreit, Ani Difranco, Ansel Adams, Monet, Eric Carle, Naomi Wolf, The X Files, Ska, Yoga Asanas, Led Zeppelin, Twin Peaks, mother nature, Anthropologie, and Mother Nature.



Q~Where is your favorite place to sell? Or Favorite show?

A~My favorite place to sell is Etsy, because their fees are very reasonable, and because I feel good about the caliber of work represented there.

Q~What is one thing you love about your business?

A~I love it when I get positive feedback from my buyers. It feels good to know that my mind created something that is out there making someone else happy.

Q~What is one thing you loathe?

A~There is one thing I don't like about Etsy, and that is the shear volume of artists on the site. It's practically impossible for someone to stumble upon your shop by accident. So you really have to drive traffic to your shop yourself.



Q~Where are you based?

A~I am based in Odenton, Maryland, in the center of the Annapolis, DC, and Baltimore triangle.

Q~Where would you live if you could live anywhere?

A~I live exactly where I want to be. I'm originally from Texas, but these are my people here.

Q~What would you be doing if not this?

A~I also have a growing business with Arbonne International (JennyHoffman.myArbonne.com), so I spend the majority of my time networking. My art is taking a back seat for now, but someday I will be able to retire off my Arbonne riches and let the creativity flow!



Q~What is your favorite quote?

A~"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anaïs Nin

What a talented fish! Happy Birthday to Jenny~ a Piscean celebrating her birthday this week!